Opposition MP Defends Justice Ashton-Lewis, Accuses Fiji Law Society of Political Attack

Opposition Member of Parliament Hon. Alvick Maharaj has come to the defence of Supreme Court Judge Justice David Ashton-Lewis, rejecting the Fiji Law Society’s (FLS) call for his resignation or disciplinary action.

In a strongly worded statement, Maharaj criticised the Society’s stance, arguing that it misrepresented the judge’s intentions and ignored the serious allegations of corruption raised during Justice Ashton-Lewis’s recent interview with a Queensland radio station.

“The Fiji Law Society's demands are a blatant attempt to silence a judge who has courageously brought to light serious concerns about corruption and abuse of power within our government,” Maharaj said.

He described Justice Ashton-Lewis’s remarks as “a necessary act of transparency” rather than a breach of conduct, stating that the judge’s insights were grounded in findings from the Commission of Inquiry he led into the appointment of former FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali.

“To suggest he should be disciplined for sharing insights from an inquiry he led is absurd,” Maharaj said. “Justice Ashton-Lewis's priority is undoubtedly justice and accountability.”

Maharaj criticised the FLS for focusing on “procedural technicalities” instead of addressing the “substantive issues” raised by the judge, including allegations of perjury and obstruction of justice involving nine individuals.

“The FLS is trying to shift the narrative from the serious claims of perjury and obstruction of justice during the inquiry to the judge's personal opinions. This is a deflection tactic,” he said.

He also dismissed claims of political bias in the judge’s comments, stating that references to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and a “wannabe Prime Minister” were secondary to the core revelations about alleged misconduct.

Maharaj expressed full support for Justice Ashton-Lewis’s call for accountability and agreed that the full Commission of Inquiry report should be made public. However, he questioned the timing of the FLS’s demand for the report’s release, saying it appeared disingenuous.

“The judge has already given us a preview of what’s in that report, and it paints a damning picture,” Maharaj said.

He concluded by urging the public to see through what he described as a politically motivated attack on Justice Ashton-Lewis.

“Justice Ashton-Lewis has acted with integrity and courage. The FLS should be commending him for his efforts to clean up our institutions, not attempting to crucify him for it,” Maharaj said.